Display apparatus

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus is provided. A frame is fixed and supported at the rear of a front panel forming the front portion of the display apparatus, and a separate bracket member is not mounted on the edges of the front panel. Thus, the front exterior of the display apparatus is neatly finished, and the display screen looks bigger than it actually is.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a display apparatus.

The appearance of display apparatuses such as liquid crystal displays(LCD) and plasma display panels (PDP) with high-definition andlarge-sized screens is a relatively recent phenomenon.

These display apparatuses have front covers covering the frontperimeters thereof.

Specifically, a front panel made of a transparent material fortransmitting images while protecting the display module is installed onthe front surface of a display module. A front cover is fixed andcoupled to the perimeter of the front panel. The front cover thusfunctions to support the front panel.

Because the periphery of the front panel must be supported by the frontcover, a portion of the front panel is necessarily covered by the frontcover.

Because a portion of the perimeter of the front panel is blocked by thefront cover, a limitation arises in which the display screen appearssmaller from the outside.

Additionally, because a separate front cover is needed to support thefront panel, the overall manufacturing cost of the display apparatusincreases, and assembly becomes more complicated.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide a display apparatus with a front exterior that isneatly finished, while the display screen appears larger from theoutside than it actually is.

Embodiments also provide a display apparatus having front panel at thefront thereof that is securely supported by the frame, so that even whenproduct dimensions are increased, the front panel will not warp or slipdownward.

Embodiments further provide a display apparatus with a configurationthat does not require a separate covering member to enclose the frontalperimeter of the display apparatus, so that the assembling process ofthe product is simplified, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

In one embodiment, a display apparatus includes: a front panel defininga front of the display apparatus; a plurality of frames fixed to a rearsurface of the front panel, to support the front panel; a display modulefixed to the frames, to output an image; and a rear housing receivingthe display module, and disposed at a rear of the front panel, whereineach of the frames includes a body in close contact the front panel, anda protrusion protruded rearward from the body.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent fromthe description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display apparatus according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along line

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a display apparatus accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a frontal perspective view of a frame for a display apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a frame for a display apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of region A in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of region A in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of FIG. 7 taken along line II-II′.

FIG. 9 is a frontal view showing the coupling structure of a front panelaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of region B in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of FIG. 10 taken along line III-III′.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing the coupling structure of arear housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view showing the coupling structure of arear housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing a front panel supportingstructure of a display apparatus depicted in a frontal view according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a partial rear perspective view of region C in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of FIG. 15 taken along line IV-IV′.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing an electromagnetic interference(EMI) grounding structure according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the presentdisclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display apparatus according to anembodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG.2 taken along line I-I′, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of adisplay apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a display apparatus 10 according to anembodiment of the present disclosure includes a display module 13outputting an image, a front panel 11 protecting the front surface ofthe display module 13, a frame 12 coupled tightly to the front panel 11and having the display module 13 fixed to the rear thereof, a bracket 15connecting the frame 12 and the display module 13, and a rear housing 14coupled at the rear of the front panel 11 and enclosing and protectingthe display module 13.

In detail, an adhering member 17 is interposed between the front panel11 and frame 12 to fix the frame 12 to the front panel 11. Also, agasket 16 for blocking electromagnetic interference (EMI) is interposedbetween the front panel 11 and the frame 12. The adhering member 17 andthe gasket 16 are respectively disposed at a predetermined distance.

An opaque film layer 111 is formed along the rear perimeter of the frontpanel 11. Specifically, the film layer 111 may be provided in a varietyof ways, and may be coated on the front panel in one embodiment. Theframe 12 is mounted along the film layer 111, so that the frame 12 isnot visible from the front of the display apparatus 10.

The front panel 11 may be formed of a transparent material enabling animage provided through the display module 13 to be viewed. In order tosatisfy strength requirements for larger sizes, the front panel may bemade of tempered glass. However, the material for the front panel 11 isnot restricted to any embodiment, and may one of various materialsincluding transparent plastic. That is, any material that is transparentand satisfies predetermined strength specifications may be used withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

A sealing member 18 is applied to a frontal upper portion of the frame12 to prevent impurities from entering through a gap between the frame12 and front panel 11. The frame 12 surrounds the rear perimeter of thefront panel 11. Specifically, a plurality of frames 12 is mounted atpositions separated a predetermined distance from the edges of the frontpanel 11. When the end portions of adjacent frames 12 are pressedtogether and connected, the bracket 15 is mounted on the connectedportions.

A front perimeter portion is pressed against the frame at the rearhousing 14 that covers and protects the display module 13, and includesan inner housing 141 formed of a conductive material, and an outerhousing 142 covering the inner housing 141. However, the rear housing 14does not have to include the two components, and may include only oneconductive cover.

Here, electromagnetic interference (EMI) emitted from the display module13 flows through an EMI grounding gasket, 16 attached to the front ofthe frame 12, and the frame 12. The EMI flowing along the frame 12 istransferred to the rear housing 14. Therefore, it is preferable that theframe 12 is made of a conductive material, and may be made of analuminum material according to one embodiment. However the material forthe frame 12 does not have to be limited to an aluminum material, andmay be made of any material through which electric current can flow.

Here, the frame 12 may be manufactured of a non-conductive material,such as a plastic injection molded material. In this case, a separateEMI grounding structure for grounding EMI is required, which will bedescribed below with reference to the diagrams.

FIG. 4 is a frontal perspective view of a frame for a display apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is arear perspective view of a frame for a display apparatus according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of frames 12 of a displayapparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure aretightly fixed against a front panel 11.

That is, the frames 12 are pressed against other frames 12 at the endsthereof, and portions pressed against each other are connected throughbrackets 15.

A portion of the frames 12 have a hole 12 a of a predetermined sizedefined therein, and a control panel for controlling the displayapparatus is mounted in the hole 12 a.

In more detail, a front panel 11 made of tempered glass is mounted tothe front of the frame 12, and a touch-screen type control panel iscoupled behind the frame 12. Thus, a user may turn power on/off orswitch channels and control volume by touching the surface of the frontpanel 11 where the control panel is inserted.

The frame 12 is formed of straightly formed metal or plastic materialwith a predetermined degree of strength. This is to prevent warping ofthe front panel 11 when the dimensions of the display apparatus 10 areincreased.

Below, a detailed description of the connecting parts of the frame 12will be given with reference to the diagrams

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of region A in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7is an exploded perspective view of region A in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the frames 12 mounted at the rear surface ofthe front panel 11 are connected together in plurality through a bracket15.

That is, the bracket 15 is bent in an “L” shape to be seated at thejoining portions at the ends of the frames 12. Also, a protrudingportion, namely, a bracket mounting portion 123 (in FIG. 8) is formed onthe frame 12 in order to mount the bracket 15. A plurality of fasteningmembers are passed through the bracket 15 and inserted into the frame12.

A boss 151 of a predetermined height is protrudingly formed at thecenter of the bracket 15. An edge portion of the display module 13 (thatis, a module lug 131 in FIG. 10) is mounted on the boss 151.Accordingly, the display module 13 and the frame 12 are connected with agap equal to the length of the boss 151.

An anti-movement rib 152 protrudes at the corner of the bracket 15 toensure that the display module 13 remains coupled in a proper position.In other words, when the display module 13 is mounted at the rear of theframe 12, it is guided to remain in its proper position. Therefore, thefastening hole defined in the module lug 132 is precisely positioned.Also, a screw or other fastening member is passed through the fasteninghole and inserted into the boss, to fix the display module 13 to theframe 12.

The ends of the frames 12 are connected to each other at right angles.Thus, each end of the frames 12 are tapered at 45° with respect to thelengths of the frames.

If the ends of the frames 12 are not formed with a 45° taper, when twoframes 12 are coupled, the surfaces pressed together may slip and bedisplaced. To prevent the latter from occurring, the ends of the frames12 may be formed in a shape that is not straight. In other words, theends of the frames 12 form a straight portion S and a stepped portion Hthat is stepped at a certain point of the straight portion S. Further,the stepped portion H may be provided singularly or in plurality. Here,the stepped portion H is bent from an extending direction of thestraight portion S in another direction (or deviating direction).

As shown, by forming the stepped portion H at a point of the straightportion S, even when force is applied to one of two joined frames 12 inits lengthwise direction, the stepped portion H prevents the joined endsof the frames 12 from being displaced.

The reference number 122 a is a fastening hole and 122 b is a fixingprojection. The fastening hole and the fixing projection are provided inplurality and are alternately provided on the frame 12. They will beexplained below more clearly.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of FIG. 7 taken along line II-II′.

Referring to FIG. 8, the frames 12 according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure are formed of a conductive material, and are pressedagainst the rear of the front panel 11, to support the front panel 11and also prevent curving of the front panel 11.

Specifically, the frame 12 includes a body 121 at the rear of the frontpanel 11, and a head 122 protruding rearward from an upper end of thebody 121.

More specifically, an adhering surface 125 on which the adhering member17 is mounted, and a gasket mounting surface 126 on which a gasket 16 ismounted are formed on the front surface of the frame 12. A dividing rib127 separating the adhering surface 125 and the gasket mounting surface126 is further formed. The dividing rib 127 prevents the adhering member17 and the gasket 16 from sticking to one another.

Here, the adhering surface 125 and the gasket mounting surface 126 maybe formed by being recessed a predetermined from the front surface ofthe body 121. If the adhering surface 125 and the gasket mountingsurface 126 share the same surface with the body 121, and are divided bythe dividing rib 127, they would be separated by a gap between the frontpanel 11 and the frame 12 equal to the height of the dividing rib 127.Thus, the dividing rib 127 may be formed on the same surface as thefront surface of the body 121, and the adhering surface 125 and thegasket mounting surface 126 may be recessed to form a mutuallyprotruding structure.

The adhering member 17 may be a double-sided tape with a predeterminedadhering strength, or may be a liquid adhesive. The gasket 16 may beformed of a conductive material to block EMI.

To hold the sealing member 18 in the front upper end of the head 122, asealing surface 128 is formed with a slant of a predetermined angle.Thus, when the frame 12 is pressed against and coupled to the rear ofthe front panel 11, a recessed portion is formed between the sealingsurface 128 and the rear surface of the front panel 11, and the sealingmember 18 is interposed in the recessed portion. The interposition ofthe sealing member 18 blocks the formation of gaps between the coupledsurfaces of the front panel and the frame 12 and therefore entry ofimpurities therein.

A cavity 129 is formed within the head 122. That is, the formation ofthe cavity 129 prevents deformation of the head 122 during the formingof the frame 12 and reduces manufacturing cost.

A bracket mounting portion 123 protrudes at a rear of the body 121 andextends in the lengthwise direction of the frame 12. The bracket 15 ismounted on the bracket mounting portion 123, and the bracket 15 mountedon the bracket mounting portion 123 is bent in a

shape. Therefore, the bracket 15 and the bracket mounting portion 123contact one another on three sides. Due to the shape of the bracketmounting portion 123, the bracket 15 does not move and is securelymounted to the frame 12. Also, the frame 12 is firmly fixed by thebracket 15.

A reinforcing rib 124 protrudes from a predetermined position below thebracket mounting portion 123, and extends in the lengthwise direction ofthe frame 12. Specifically, the reinforcing rib 124 is formed toreinforce the frame 12. Also, the reinforcing rib 124 allows the frame12 to retain a straight disposition without bending even when its lengthis extended.

A leakage preventing rib 125 a is protruded from a perimeter of theadhering surface 125, in detail, an upper perimeter of the front portionof the body 121. The leakage preventing rib 125 a prevents the adheringmember 17 anointed on the adhering surface 125 from leaking or spreadingto an outside of the frame 12.

More in detail, if the leakage preventing rib 125 a is not provided, theadhering member 17 spreads towards the perimeter of the front panel 11and is exposed to an outside, and then the exterior of the displaydoesn't look neat. In order to resolve this kind of problem, the leakagepreventing rib 125 a is protruded on the frontal perimeter which islocated on the edge of the front panel 11.

The rear housing 14 is coupled to the head 122.

In detail, a plurality of fastening holes 122 a are arranged atpredetermined intervals in the edges of the head 122 and rear housing14, and fastening members are inserted in the fastening holes 122 a tofix the rear housing 14 to the head 122. Also, a plurality of fixingprojections 122 b may protrude from the head 122, and a plurality offixing holes may be formed in the edge of the rear housing 14 to insertthe fixing projections 122 b in. In one exemplary embodiment, a fixingprojection 122 b may protrude at a point between a fixing hole 122 a andanother fixing hole 122 a. The fixing projection 122 b may be insertedinto a fixing hole formed in the rear housing 14, so that the fixinghole formed in the rear housing 14 is aligned with the fixing hole 122 aformed in the head 123.

FIG. 9 is a frontal view showing the coupling structure of a front panelaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 10 is arear perspective view of region B in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a sectionalview of FIG. 10 taken along line III-III′.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the front panel 11 and the display module 13 form a directlycoupled structure.

That is, when the front panel 11 and the frame 12 are coupled throughthe adhering member 17, there is the possibility of the front panel 11detaching from the frame 12. In other words, when the display apparatus10 is enlarged, the dimensions of the front panel 11 increase and itsweight also increases. When the display apparatus 10 is mounted on awall, if the weight of the front panel 11 exceeds the adhering strengthof the adhering member 17, the front panel 11 can disengage from theframe 12 and fall to the floor.

To obviate this possibility, the present embodiment provides the frontpanel 11 integrally coupled to the display module 13.

In further detail, a nut 30 is inserted into the front edge of the frontpanel 11, and a fastening member is passed through the bracket 15 andthe module lug 131 and inserted into the nut 30. To prevent damage tothe front panel 11 by the nut 30, a rubber bushing 31 may be insertedover the outer circumference of the nut 30. The boss 151 formed at thecenter of the bracket 15 extends further to the opposite side, and theextended portion is inserted into a portion of the nut 30. The fasteningmember passes through the module lug 131 and the boss 151 in sequence,and inserts into the nut 30. Through this coupling structure,disengaging of the front panel 11 from the frame 12 due to weight can beavoided.

The rear housing 14 is coupled to the frame 12, and the way of couplingthe rear housing 14 and the frame 12 may be the same as the waydescribed in FIG. 1 to FIG. 8, using the fixing projections 122 b andfastening holes 122 a.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing the coupling structure of arear housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12, the present embodiment is characterized by therear housing 14 being coupled directly to the front panel 11.

In detail, the front edge of the rear housing 14 may be formed in a sizethat is the same as or smaller than the front panel 11, so that thefront edges of the rear housing 14 cannot be seen from the front of thedisplay apparatus 10.

The front edge of the rear housing 14 is bent in parallel directionswith the front panel 11 to form the coupling surfaces. A screw 40 orother fastening member is inserted from the front of the front panel 11through the rear housing 14. A nut 42 is inserted over the outercircumference of the screw 40 that passes and protrudes through the rearhousing. Of course, an anti-wear bushing 41 is inserted between thescrew 40 and the front panel 11.

As depicted in FIG. 11, a structure in which the screw is inserted inthe front of the front panel 11 may be employed.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view showing the coupling structure of arear housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13, the rear housing 14 is fixed to the display module13.

That is, the screw 50 may be sequentially passed through the rearhousing 14 and the module lug 131, and inserted into the boss 151 of thebracket 15.

Here, to prevent the screw 50 from loosening, a screw thread is formedon the inner circumference of the boss 151.

In another method, as shown in FIG. 11, the fastening member passingthrough the rear housing 14 is passed through the module lug 131 and theboss 151, inserted in the front surface of the front panel 11, andultimately inserted into the nut 30.

In this configuration, the front panel 11, frame 12, display module 13,and rear housing 14 may be integrally coupled through a single screw 32and nut 30.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing a front panel supportingstructure of a display apparatus depicted in a frontal view according toan embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 15 is a partial rearperspective view of region C in FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is a sectional viewof FIG. 15 taken along line IV-IV′.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, to prevent the front panel 11 of a displayapparatus 10 according to the present disclosure from separating fromthe frame 12 due to excessive weight, a separate supporting structuremay be provided.

That is, a supporter 60 (as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16) may be coupled atthe upper surface and lower surface of the front panel 11.

In further detail, the supporter 60 may be formed in a length thatentirely or partially covers the top and bottom edges of the front panel11. The supporter 60 is bent a plurality of times in order to securelysupport the front panel 11, to cover portions of the rear, bottom, andfront surfaces of the front panel 11. Of course, the supporter 60mounted at the top end of the front panel 11 provides a structure thatcovers portions of the rear, top, and front surfaces of the front panel11.

The supporter 60 is coupled to the head 122 of the frame. That is, afastening hole is defined in the head 122, and a fastening hole is alsoformed at an end of the supporter 60. A screw or other fastening memberis passed through the supporter 60 and inserted into the head 122.

In the above configuration, the upper edge of the front panel 11 issecurely supported, preventing the front panel 11 from disengaging fromthe frame 12 and leaning forward.

The bottom edge of the front panel 11 is also securely supported, sothat the front panel 11 is prevented from falling due to excessiveweight.

Here, the supporter 60 may be provided only at the lower end of thefront panel 11.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing an EMI grounding structure accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 17, the present embodiment provides a groundingstructure for blocking EMI when a frame 12 made of a non-conductivematerial is used.

Specifically, when the frame 12 is made of a plastic injection moldedmaterial or the like, a structure is needed to absorb EMI. Thus, inorder to ground EMI that is emitted at the rear housing 14, a separategrounding member 80 is attached to the frame 12.

In further detail, one end of the grounding member 80 is inserted in thegasket mounting surface 126 of the frame 12. The grounding member 80 isextended along the surface of the frame 12 and connected at the otherend to the rear housing 14. Thus, the rear housing 14 made of aconductive material acts as a ground to block EMI.

Here, the grounding member 80 may cover the entire rear surface of theframe 12 or a portion thereof. However, it is sufficient to electricallyconnect the front panel 11 and the rear housing 14 through the groundingmember 80. For example, even if the grounding member 80 is only disposedbetween the perimeter and the center of the frame 12, EMI issufficiently blocked.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number ofillustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerousother modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled inthe art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles ofthis disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modificationsare possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subjectcombination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawingsand the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications inthe component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also beapparent to those skilled in the art.

1. A display apparatus comprising: a front panel defining a front of thedisplay apparatus; a plurality of frames fixed to a rear surface of thefront panel, to support the front panel; a display module fixed to theframes, to output an image; and a rear housing receiving the displaymodule, and disposed at a rear of the front panel, wherein each of theframes includes a body in close contact the front panel, and aprotrusion protruded rearward from the body.
 2. The display apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the body comprises: an adhering surface ona front thereof, on which an adhering member is mounted; and a gasketmounting surface, on which a grounding gasket is mounted.
 3. The displayapparatus according to claim 2, wherein the body further comprises a ribon the front thereof, to divide the adhering surface and the gasketmounting surface.
 4. The display apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe body comprises a reinforcing rib on a rear surface thereof, toreinforce strength of the frames.
 5. The display apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a bracket connecting ends of the frames,wherein the body comprises a bracket mounting portion protruding on arear surface of the body, the bracket mounted on the bracket mountingportion.
 6. The display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theprotrusion comprises an inclined surface on a front, upper side thereof,and the sealing member covers the inclined surface.
 7. The displayapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a leakage preventingrib which is formed on a frontal perimeter of the body, to prevent anadhering member from leaking to an outside.